The Goulburn Rugby Club welcomed two new Life Members, a new committee and, as the club heads into its 150th season, one of the most experienced coaching staffs it has ever assembled at the Club’s AGM on Wednesday 9 December.
Club stalwarts Shaune Martin and Bill Cooper were honoured with Life Membership recognising many years of service on and off the paddock.
Returning club president Jackson Reardon praised the pair for their ongoing commitment to the club of many decades.
“A huge congratulations to Shaune and Bill for their very well-deserved life memberships,” he said.
“It’s great to recognise those who have given so much to our club, and both are still planning on continuing to be actively involved in 2022 which I know we all very much appreciate.”
Shaune Martin began his playing career in 1984 when Goulburn was playing in the ACT competition and followed the club into the Illawarra competition and then Monaro… initially retiring in 1996, before adding guest appearances in 1998, 2001 and, just to prove there was life in those old bones yet, five games in 2017.
Bill Cooper started in 1985 and played regularly through to 1990 with a sprinkling of matches in 1993, 1996 and 1998.
Following their playing careers, both started their second act with the club, guiding junior teams through the club as coaches and managers for well over a decade, and in the case of Shaune Martin, also taking on land and water management at Rugby Park.
Looking to the future, and the club is focused on a packed and hopefully COVID uninterrupted season 2022.
“The club is energised after a break, following the disappointing end to our rugby seasons due to COVID-19,” said Reardon.
“We have a huge calendar of events planned for 2022 to celebrate Goulburn Rugby Union’s 150th year, kicking off in March with the Klem Oval Opening (12th March) and the Luke McCue Memorial Day (26th March).
“Another event to pencil in the calendar for 2022 is the 150th Year Reunion, which will be held on the 21st and 22nd October, culminating in a Gala Ball on the Saturday night.
“It’s a big year ahead in all age groups and competitions on the rugby field, with some lofty goals being set. We have an incredible coaching team, and a strong playing base, so I am looking forward to a really successful year.”
On the field, the Dirty Reds coaching staff for 2022 is looking like a greatest hits package, as befits such a milestone season.
Ben Pearson returns as first-grade coach with David Anable taking the reins of second grade, while Ashley Mewburn will return to lead the women’s team.
Pearson and Anable have both had successful runs as first-grade coach. Pearson, a Level 2 accredited coach, coached the firsts in 2003, 2006, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021, adding the Monaro coaching gig to his resume in 2021.
In addition to coaching Goulburn firsts Anable, a Level 3 accredited coach, has also coached ADFA firsts, Brumbies Women and Goulburn under 18s in recent years.
Mewburn, in combination with other coaching staff, was the first women’s coach for the club and will look to build on the team’s ongoing development.
The full committee for season 2021 is:
- President: Jackson Reardon
- Senior Vice President: Ben Todkill
- Junior Vice President: Jordan Brooker
- Junior Vice President: Matt Klem
- Secretary: Bec Rudd
- Treasurer: Paul O’Rourke
- General Committee: Kev Kara, Dave Anable, Abe Kara, Adam Lachlan, Matt Spratley, Karly Lachlan.
In other roles, Chris Gordon continues as registrar and the club is still seeking a Publicity Officer.
